howerter1 
Posts: 781
Galesburg, ILL; HOTH Coordinator ILL,Retired E8,US Army,Vietnam Vet
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| 16 Nov 2007 7:09 AM |
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| My prayers and thoughts are with the family, friends and community of Sergeant Joe Vanek. |
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Max
US Army Retired E8, VietNam 66-67 "We should not mourn that such men died, but we should thank God that such men lived" General George Patton |
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Easy.
Posts: 3824
Jacksonville, NC Eastern Region Senior Ride Captain
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| 16 Nov 2007 10:32 AM |
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My family and i will be praying for the family, friends of Sgt. Joe Vanek, Elmhurst, IL.
God bless you all!
EASY |
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Ride Safe and GOD BLESS,
BARRY (EASY) BERTOLINI
PGR NC Eastern Region Senior Ride Captain
Email: barryb_28546 @yahoo.com
CMA Member (Christian Motorcycle Association)
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want
in...And how many want out. Only two defining forces have ever offered
to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American Soldier..One died for our
soul, the other for our freedom."
PGR NC Calender
PGR: NC MySpace
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Chitown
Posts: 855
Leawood, KS
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| 16 Nov 2007 10:59 AM |
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Sgt. Vanek, Thank you for your service.
My family can never repay the debt of gratitude that we owe you. We can ensure that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
I will ride in spirit as my PGR Brothers and Sisters honor you. |
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'Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines (this goes for all our service men and women) don't have that problem.' -- Ronald Reagan
Standing by in Leawood, Kansas
Mike "Chitown" O'Malley
SSGT USMC 1977 - 1985
C co. 1st BN, 5th Marines
American Legion Riders Post 370
Patriot Guard Riders
Kansas Patriot Guard
Riding in honor of
SPC Matthew Murchison US Army. KIA Iraq 8/4/07
SPC David Lane US Army. KIA Iraq 9/5/07
Cpl Billy Willis US Army 9/10/07
Sgt Jeffrey Mersman KIA Afghanistan 11/8/07
Four young Kansas Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for us.
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bogiediver
Posts: 389
Woodstock, IL
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| 16 Nov 2007 11:30 AM |
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**** MISSION UPDATE posted 16 Nov 07, 1215hrs ****
Airport:
DuPage Airport
2700 International Dr.
West Chicago, IL 60185
Staging Time:
8:00AM
Staging Area:
West side of Airport, corner of International Drive and Kautz Rd.
Briefing:
8:30AM, Flagline immediatley following briefing.
PGR will escort from the airport to Ahlgrim Funeral Home in Elmhurst, IL
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-bogie
American by Birth, Biker by Choice, Patriot Forever |
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wolfen
Posts: 138
Addison, Il.
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| 16 Nov 2007 12:26 PM |
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My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Joe Vanek another young warrior made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Rest now son for we have the watch now. We will never forget you...God Bless
Wolfman |
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Andrew "Wolfman" Regal
Patriot Guard Rider Illinois Ride Captain
Wild Fire H.O.G. Head Road Captain Villa Park Illinois
Accident Scene Management Advanced Bystander Assistance Program
Riding in Memory of my father
James L. Regalmuto 1921-1999
Army Air Force WWII
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gamma
Posts: 2
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| 16 Nov 2007 2:49 PM |
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My prayers and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Vanek.Thank you for your ultimate
sacrifice to the cause of Freedom. I will never forget that. May God carry you through this sorrowful time
and ease your pain. |
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jalger
Posts: 721
Crystal Lake, IL.
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| 16 Nov 2007 6:15 PM |
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God bless you and your family for the sacrifice you have made Sergeant Vaneck
The price you have paid will live forever in my heart...
I will be there to pay my respects on Saturday.
(Anyone that would like to ride out together I will be at the Phillips station at 25 and 62 at 0700, departing at 0715.)
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Big Joe
Crystal Lake, IL.
Ride Captain Warrior's Watch
www.warriorswatch.org
All gave some.
Some gave all.
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Go Army
Posts: 338
Rolling Meadows, Ill.
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| 16 Nov 2007 8:19 PM |
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| Our prayers are with all of the friend and family. |
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Bob Smith
Sgt. Army 63-69
VietNam Vet
"The moon gives you light,
And the bugles and the drums give you music;
And my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans,
My heart gives you love."
Walt Whitman-Drum Taps
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LadyDynaRider45
Posts: 34
Florida
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| 17 Nov 2007 12:26 AM |
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| My heartfelt condolences are extended to the family & friends of Sgt. Joe Vanek. May you find comfort & peace in the days ahead. God Bless You Joe for serving this great country & paying the ultimate sacrifice. You are our HERO & you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Soldier!
_________________________________________________
With Love, Brenda |
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Illinois Patriot Guard Rider with Pride, Honor & Respect |
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mattsmom
Posts: 1503
North Beach, Maryland
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| 17 Nov 2007 7:39 AM |
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| Sgt Vanek, you are so deeply appreciated. You are our hero, and we will not forget you. Rest easy now, in the loving presence of our Lord; your selfless mission here is completed. |
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Thank you for your service and sacrifice in defending and protecting our freedoms. As a nation we mourn your loss, and we will remember you always as a true American hero. To the family, I offer my prayers and support. I understand a little of what you are going through-my son, a Marine LCpl, was killed in Iraq. I pray wonderful memories of your dear warrior help eventually to ease the pain you endure today. Your hero will never be forgotten-he leaves a legacy of honor and courage that few will ever achieve. God bless you. Julie Francis, Matt's Mom |
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CherSmithConrad
Posts: 1
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| 17 Nov 2007 9:20 PM |
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From a marine Mom.
Sgt Joe Vanek, you will not be forgotten.
Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Thank you for being our hero. God bless.
Cher Smith-Conrad |
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"Wookie"
Posts: 1855
Olympia, WA
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| 18 Nov 2007 9:56 AM |
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Our Sincere Condolences to the Family and Friends of Sgt. Joe Vanek!
Our heartfelt Prayers for Comfort and Strength during this time
of Remembrance for your Loved One !
We “Thank You” for a Hero who has served us so faithfully! |
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Respectfully,
John"Wookie"Enoch |
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alerbaugh
Posts: 3
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| 18 Nov 2007 2:54 PM |
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| thank you all for your support of my fellow 325 brethren. i will not be able to ride with you but will be present in the firing line to honor another paratrooper. please continue to pray for my brothers overseas. |
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Gardian Shadow
Posts: 66
Edgerton KS
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| 18 Nov 2007 3:09 PM |
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| My sincere condolences to the family of Sgt. Joe Vanek. Joe, your sacrifice and honor will be remembered forever in every American's heart. God bless you and your loved ones. Standing by in spirit in Edgerton,KS "Gardian Shadow" |
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Mike (The Shadow) Phillips
KS Patriot Guard
Patriot Guard Riders
American Legion Riders Post 19
Riding in honor of:
Glenn A. Phillips, Sr. KIA Saipan
Benton F. Brown, US Army WWI
Walter L. Johnson, USMC WWII |
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chriscooper1951
Posts: 42
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| 18 Nov 2007 6:40 PM |
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To the Family and friends of Sgt. Joe Vanek.
I pray that what I say may console you at your time of great grief. Please know that there are Americans all over this great land of ours that feel real pain in your loss. We feel honored to stand shoulder to shoulder to honor this great American Hero. I pray that in time your pain will lessen and that you will remember the good times you had with Joe. Sgt. Vanek please accept my humblest thanks for your ultimate sacrifice, you will not be forgotten. I am shuffling my schedule so that I may be there to honor this Great American Hero.
Chris Cooper
Patriot Guard Rider
Christian Motorcyclists Association
Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run Organization
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Chris Cooper
Christian Motorcylists Association
Partriot Guard Riders
Illinois Freedom Run Organization |
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Grayson
Posts: 2
Elmhurst, IL
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| 19 Nov 2007 8:26 AM |
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Thank you Sgt. Joe Vanek for your ultimate sacrifice for our great country. I will never forget how you have helped defend and protect us, and I will think of you often as I pass by your final resting place. Thank you to the Vanek family for Joe, and for all you have done for our fine town of Elmhurst.
Patriot Guard Rider
Grayson Haller
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wolfen
Posts: 138
Addison, Il.
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| 19 Nov 2007 10:20 AM |
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To all,
Saturday I had honor to be at the Dupage Airport for Sgt Vanek. I was so amazed at the turn out we had....thanks to all who attended. What really touched my heart was the participation of so many LEO's from every suburb in the area. Glen what a great idea to do the "missing rider" formation in honor of our fallen hero.The last part of the escort when we turned down St. Charles road looking ahead there was a hook and ladder in front of York high school (where Joe attended)
and the ladder was extended over St. Charles road and hanging from there was an American flag along with several residents holding flags....that really got to me.After the escort was over I went and started to thank as many LEOS as I could...the last one I thanked looked at me and replied "thanks for your existance".... I needed to share this with you.
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Andrew "Wolfman" Regal
Patriot Guard Rider Illinois Ride Captain
Wild Fire H.O.G. Head Road Captain Villa Park Illinois
Accident Scene Management Advanced Bystander Assistance Program
Riding in Memory of my father
James L. Regalmuto 1921-1999
Army Air Force WWII
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Bonz01
Posts: 1319
Land O' Lakes, Fl.
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| 19 Nov 2007 3:04 PM |
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| My heartfelt condolences to the family of SGT. Joe Vanek. To my brother SGT I salute you. God Bless you and keep you in his arms forever. |
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Wanda "Conley" Frye
SGT US ARMY 1976-1983
Reserves,108th Trng. Brigade, Wilson, N.C. 84-85
Riding in Honor of my dad Marine SSG Franklin O. Frye WWII, H&S BT,5th BN, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Div. South Pacific. Uncle Doug Frye,Navy WWII, Aunt Barbara Frye,WAC,WWII, Great Uncle "Conly" Army WWI, my namesake. They all stand with me.
We'd never know how high we are till we are called to rise; and then,if we are true to plan,our statures touch the sky. Emily Dickenson |
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Geezer Glide 2001
Posts: 3370
Conroe,Texas
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| 19 Nov 2007 11:24 PM |
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Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Joe Vanek , Thanks for being our hero. At times like this there is no words that can ease the pain of a mother and family that loses a son. God Bless. And God Bless, The fellow soldier that stands for us everyday.
Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, soldier.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime.
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord.
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, soldier
you’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets;
you’ve done your time in Hell."
- Author Unknown -
Another fallen American Hero
Paul Babb
MCSO-3110
S.E.Tx. P.G.R. Rider
Conroe, Texas
Riding in memory of
Sgt.Jack H. Holder Jr.
DIUSMC Parris Island, Buford SC.
MCSO-3102
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dwj
Posts: 520
" DJ "
Danny Jordan
Camino, CA.
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| 20 Nov 2007 10:37 AM |
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| To the family and friends of this hero,Sgt Joe Vanek USA. Our heartfelt condolences go to you. Your Brothers-in-Arms who have gone before you are welcoming you now. Your fight is over. May you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten |
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Danny W. Jordan, SFC, US Army, Retired 1973- 1985
American Legion Rider - President ALR Post 119
Area#1 Vice President Northern CA.
Run For The Wall Family.
Greater Love Has No One Than This, That He Lay Down His Life For His Friends.
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Slowhand
Posts: 4057
Northeastern, Maryland Senior Chaplain & Ride Captain
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| 20 Nov 2007 12:16 PM |
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| I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this American Hero who stood tall for his homeland in this very sad time in your lives, but remember that you knew a hero first hand while the rest of us just get to hear about their heroic deeds. My prayers are that our GOD may bring peace and comfort to all of you during this tragic time. Please know that not just me , but a country full of people like me owe you a dept that can never be repaid. But please know that your loved one is now serving in the Army of our LORD in heaven, and the LORD said if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and recieve you unto myself that where I am there you may be also. Know that it says in the Bible in 2nd Corinthians 5:8 , we are confident I say , willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the LORD. No one can ever say that your loved one isn't a HERO, they were willing to serve that the rest of us may enjoy the freedom we do today, and the sacrifice you and your family have endured so our nation can remain the home of the free because of the brave. We are all brothers and sisters in arms and we don't forget one of our own, rest in peace my fellow American, your mission is complete and now it's time for you to rest. May GOD Bless each and everyone of you. |
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Russ "Slowhand"
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KathieBenson
Posts: 34
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| 20 Nov 2007 1:31 PM |
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| To Joe's family & friends...May the spirit that united us today as we honored Joe bring you peace and strength as you go through this most difficult time. As your pain eases may you again experience the love and laughter and joy that Joe brought into your lives. There are no words to express the gratitude I have for the sacrifice that he made and for the ones that you will make as you go forward with your lives without him. Godspeed to all of you. |
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As the song says so well…
“I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men(and women) who died,
who gave that right to me.”
Thank you to an American hero!
Kathie Benson "YellowBug"
Marine Corps Mom
AirForce Wife
PGR
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idchafee
Posts: 159
Chicago Area
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| 20 Nov 2007 4:28 PM |
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| It was an honor to stand the flag line outside the visitation yesterday. My sore feet at the end of 6.5 hours were a tiny price to pay to show my respect for the sacrifice of Sgt Vanek. I only wish I could have gotten out of work to be there at the funeral today. |
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VTX Glen
Posts: 186
Elmhurst, IL
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| 20 Nov 2007 5:18 PM |
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***MISSION COMPLETE***
It was a dreary day to say the least. We had 15 bikes and 3 cages to escort Sgt. Joe Vanek to his final resting place. Thank you to the friends of the family that stood tirelessly in the flagline, the American Legion and multiple Police and Fire Departments and for all the support and honor during this tough time for the Vanek family. Thank you to the Vanek Family for inviting us to pay honor and respect for this Great American Hero and thank you to SGT. Joe Vanek for giving the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. God Bless You.
It was an honor to stand for this Hero.
Glen/Sue
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Our Soldiers protect us with courage and pride.
We support them with honor and respect.
Respectfully,
Glen & Sue |
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yeoldwoodshop
Posts: 124
KINGSFORD HEIGHTS INDIANA SRC NC IN PGR
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| 20 Nov 2007 6:39 PM |
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| My condolences to the Vanek family and a thank you to Sgt Vanek for your sacrifice to ensure our everday freedoms. You will always be remembered as a hero in hearts. Rest easy now my brother we have the watch. |
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Dennis Francis - SRC NC IN PGR |
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